Multi-directional exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus having, as its principal objective, the provision of a portable exercise apparatus that offers substantially more benefits than a number of existing apparatus without their obvious associated problems. The exercise apparatus ( 1 ) has a base ( 2 ) having an upper surface ( 3 ) a lower surface ( 5 ), the upper surface ( 3 ) including a platform ( 7 ) with contact areas including a front ( 9 ) and a back ( 11 ) perpendicular to a right side ( 13 ) and a left side ( 15 ) adjacent a central area ( 17 ) of platform ( 7 ), the lower surface ( 5 ) rib supports ( 19 ) including dependent wheel support members ( 23 ) each one with a wheel ( 25 ) adapted for multi-directional movement (X, Y or Z).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an exercise apparatus and moreparticularly to a portable multi-directional exercise apparatusconstructed for use primarily in the conditioning and strengthening ofthe user's muscles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fitness or exercise equipment developed for work-out stations includearticles of equipment chosen to work selective parts of the body in avariety of different ways. However, the varied assortment of equipmenthave a tendency to be overly large, heavy, cumbersome, difficult tomanage and of a size too large to be able to move from one place toanother. This equipment relies heavily on essential hand held fittingsthat if used incorrectly, will inevitably result in muscle and bonedamage, hence the need for supervised personnel to provide in-depthinstruction prior and during use. Other equipment of a lesser size relyon handle grips on an apparatus with wheels for use on a flat surface.Accordingly, in an attempt to make the most of poor design andconstruction, the user is inevitably forced to work the groups ofmuscles of the upper and lower arms while gripping handles or the sidesof the exercise device in an attempt to fulfill a chosen exercise regimefor working muscles elsewhere.

Accordingly, there is a need for a versatile and transportablemulti-directional exercise apparatus for training and strengtheningchosen body muscles in an environment conducive with the operation ofthe apparatus.

The present invention is directed to an improved exercise apparatus andhas, as its principal objective, the provision of a portable exerciseapparatus that offers substantially more benefits than a number ofexisting exercise equipment without their obvious associated problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is portable and easy to use wherever there is asupporting surface. More particularly, the exercise apparatus providesthe user with a multi-directional exercise apparatus with wheelsdepending, the apparatus including a base with a platform having allotedareas of contact for encouraging the correct use thereof so as toeffectively work chosen muscle groups while carrying out chosen exerciseregimes.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide anexercise apparatus comprising a base having an upper surface, a lowersurface, the upper surface including a platform with contact areasincluding a front and a back perpendicular to a right side and a leftside adjacent a central area of the platform, the lower surface havingrib supports and including dependent wheel support members each one witha wheel, at least one wheel adapted for multi-directional movement. Apreferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a disproportionate heightof the base. More specifically, the back of the base is higher than thefront of the base providing a downward slope or slant.

An embodiment of the present invention provides for the base includingremovable and adjustable wheel support members with at least one wheelfor directed movement on a supporting surface. In one embodiment of theinvention the wheel support members are in vertical alignment with thefront, the right side and the left side of the base. The base may have agenerally heart shaped dimension. Wheel support members rotate about areleasably secured vertical axis relative to the base and the wheelsrotate about a horizontal axis relative to the wheel support members.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides integral supportmembers of the base for releasably securing a retaining member which isconfigured for releasably retaining a connector therein. In use theconnector is attached to a resistance means. Preferably, the resistancemeans includes a length of cable, rope, belts or chains having aproximal end releasably attached to the connector and a distal endattached to weights.

A further aspect of the of the present invention seeks to provide amethod of exercising muscle groups by means of operating the apparatusof the present invention by including the steps of (a) placing wheels ofthe base on a supporting surface, (b) positioning a part of a users bodyon the platform of the base in vertical alignment with an arrangement ofwheels of the base; (c) positioning a further part of the users body ona kneeling pad or the supporting surface, and (d) moving the apparatusand users body in combination for working the chosen muscle groups inaccordance with a chosen exercise for the apparatus.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for a method ofexercising muscle groups placing the wheels of an apparatus on asupporting surface, positioning a part of a users body on a platform ofa base of the apparatus, positioning a further part of the users body onthe supporting surface or kneeling pad, and moving the apparatus in achosen direction for working the muscle groups in accordance with achosen exercise. An embodiment of the present invention provides forreleasably securing a connector to a retaining member of the base,attaching a first end of a joining member to the connector, attaching asecond end of the joining member to a resistance means and moving theapparatus in a multi-directional path with resistance applied.

A further aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a kit ofparts for an exercise apparatus for exercising a user's body, theapparatus including a base having an upper surface, a lower surface, theupper surface including a platform with contact areas front and backperpendicular to a right side and a left side adjacent a central area ofthe platform, lower surface rib supports including dependent wheelsupport members each one with a wheel, at least one wheel adapted formulti-directional movement, and a kneeling pad for ease of use on asupporting surface. An embodiment of the kit of parts of the presentinvention further includes a retaining member for fixedly attaching tothe base, a connector adapted for releasable securement to the retainingmember, a joining member with a proximal end for releasable attachmentto the connector of the base and a distal end for releasable attachmentto a resistance means.

Other aspects, features, and details of the present invention can bemore completely understood by reference to the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with thedrawings and from the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a apparatus shown with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an underside plan view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus showing height and anglevariation.

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the apparatus showing a preferred embodimenttherewith.

FIG. 7 is an underside plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8 a to 8 c are side views of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 7 usedfor a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 d is a side view of the of the present invention showing apreferred embodiment therewith.

FIGS. 9 a to 9 d are top plan views of the apparatus of FIG. 1, used fora preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings in more detail, numeral (1) generallydesignates a portable exercise apparatus constructed of a base (2) inaccordance with the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, thebase (2) has an upper surface (3) and a lower surface (5). A platform(7) of the upper surface (3) with a front area (9), a back area (11), aright side (13), a left side (15) and a central area (17). Preferably,the base (2) is generally heart-shaped and made from plastic to improveperformance and reduce costs. The platform (7) attached to the base (2)is preferably made from a foam material impervious to water.

Referring to FIG. 3, an arrangement of rib supports (19) as shown on anunderside of the base (2) to define areas of rigidity. Underneath thearea of the front (9) of the base (2) there are rigid integral supportmembers (21). Additional rib supports (19) surround the area, where thewheel support members (23) are releasably secured into the base (2)thereby providing the required rigidity and associated strength. Thewheel support members (23) rotate about a releasably secured verticalaxis relative to the base (2), the wheels (25) rotate about a horizontalaxis relative to the wheel support members (23). The wheels (25) can beof various types known in the art that allow for a 360 degree ofrotation about the wheel support members (23) and about the base (2) ofthe apparatus (1). The wheels (25) can be made from suitable materialsknown in the art that allow for the apparatus (1) to roll with ease on asupporting surface (37) in omni-directional or multi-directional pathswhen in use. The wheels (25) may snap into position using, for example,a resilient expanding lock ring seated in a lock-ring groove on thelower surface (5) of the base (2) for locking a sleeve and connectorbody of wheel support members (23) together (not shown) or they arereleasably secured in other ways known in the art to allow forexchanging one size of a wheel for a larger or smaller one to adjust theheight (h1 or h2) of the base (2) from the supporting surface (37) foradjusting the slope/slant of the platform (7) and body (2) to increaseor decrease the required exercise.

As seen from FIG. 3, the wheels (25) are positioned in verticalalignment with areas of platform (7). Preferably, the wheel supportmembers (23) and wheels (25) are in vertical alignment with front area(9), right side (13) and left side (15). Wheels (25) and the wheelsupport members (23) therefore are positioned in a triangulararrangement on lower surface (5) of the base (2) for providing stabilitywhen in use. The base (2) as seen from FIG. 4, shows the front area (9)and back area (11) having disproportionate heights (h1 and h2) inrelation to one another as a means for providing stability. By way ofexample only, the difference in the disproportionate heights may bevaried to accommodate the user. Alternatively, the base (2) may beprovided with a steeper slant or less of a slant of the base andplatform (7). As seen in FIG. 5, back area (11) is higher than frontarea (9) and accordingly provides that slant associated with thedisproportionate heights (h1 and h2) as seen in FIG. 4.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, integral support members (21) of base (2) areused for securing retaining members (27) therein for positioning aconnector (29) on to base (2). The retaining members (27) are releasablysecured into the integral support members (21) by a securing means,preferably, Allan key lock-tight nuts or other securing means known inthe art with their appropriate tools for engaging and securing suchfasteners. The connector (29) extends from the base (2) outwards awayfrom front area (9) and can be used to attach a resistance means (33)via a joining member (31) having a proximate end (31 a) attached to theconnector (29) and a distal end (31 b) which is attached to resistancemeans (33). The resistance means (33) can be in and of itself an elasticjoining member (31) connected via the distal end (31 b) to a stationarystructure (not shown). Preferably, the joining member (31) is selectedfrom a cable, rope, belt (rubber or otherwise), a chain or combinationsthereof. The resistance means can be a pulley (high or low) with weightsthereon or other known means to apply resistance (refer to FIG. 8 d).Typical exercises used with the apparatus (1) include by way of example,“power crunches” as shown in FIGS. 8 a to 8 d further illustratingconnection with resistance means (33).

The user, while kneeling on supporting surface (37) or an edge ofkneeling pad (35) as in this instance, approaches the higher part of theapparatus (1) from a proximal end of back area (11) and with headforward toward the distal end of front area (9) arches the back prior tomoving apparatus (1) in chosen path (Z) while keeping the users (39)knees are kept stationary on the kneeling pad. The kneeling pad (35) ismade from a suitable material for comfort and ease of use, and is anoptional element in the apparatus.

As can also be seen from both FIGS. 8 a-8 d and FIGS. 9 a-9 d, user (39)positions the elbows and hands flat on the platform (7) as opposed toaround the edge of the apparatus (1) or on a handle of an apparatus. Thepositioning of the elbows and hands on a trilateral formation on theplatform (7) of the apparatus (1) is preferable. As can be seen in FIGS.9 a to 9 d the user (39) works an exercise allowing for a “cyclone”movement that can be in a multi-directional (X Y or Z) path.

Preferably, the user's (39) positional coverage of weight is directedfrom the user's (39) elbows on the right side (13) and left side (15)with both hands face down on the front area (9), of the platform (7)forming the triangular formation. Use of the apparatus (1) is notlimited to the exercise regimes (as shown in FIGS. 8 a-8 d and 9 a-9 d),as the apparatus (1) can be used in other ways with different parts ofthe user's body dependent on the exercise regime followed (not shown).

The aforesaid examples of exercises of power crunches and cyclones areby no means limiting as one skilled in the art exercising muscle groupswould recognize the availability of the apparatus for further exerciseregimes applicable for the exercise apparatus (1) of the presentinvention.

The exercise apparatus components (e.g., the base, the platform, thewheel supports, the wheels, and the kneeling pad, may be availableindividually as spares, or packaged as a kit. Specifically, the kit forthe apparatus (1) includes base (2), with platform (7), wheel supportmembers (23) and wheels (25), kneeling pad (35) and a portable carrier(not shown) shaped to easily accommodate for the generally heart-shapedbase (2).

Optionally, retaining members (27), preferably in the form of lock-tightAllen key bolts, for insertion into integral support members (21), anAllen key for adjustment thereof and the at least one connector (29),can be supplied separately.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above andillustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many ways ofimplementing the apparatus (1), the method of use and the kit therefore.

1. An exercise apparatus (1) comprising a base (2) having an uppersurface (3) a lower surface (5), the upper surface including a platform(7) with contact areas including a front (9) and a back (11)perpendicular to a right side (13) and a left side (15) adjacent acentral area (17) of the platform (7), the lower surface having ribsupports (19) and including dependent wheel support members (23) eachone with a wheel (25) at least one wheel adapted for multi-directionalmovement (X, Y or Z).
 2. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the front(9) and the back (11 of the base (2) are of disproportionate heights inrelation to one another.
 3. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the atleast one wheel (25) is in vertical alignment with the front, the rightside and the left side of the platform.
 4. The apparatus (1) of claim 1,wherein the wheel support members (23) rotate about a vertical axis. 5.The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the wheels (25) rotate about ahorizontal axis on the wheel support members (23).
 6. The apparatus (1)of claim 1, further comprising integral support members (21) of the base(2) for releasably securing a retaining member (27).
 7. The apparatus(1) of claim 6, wherein the retaining member (27) is configured forreleasable securement of a connector (29).
 8. The apparatus (1) of claim7, wherein the connector (29) is adapted to be proximally attached to atleast one joining member (31) attached to a resistance means (33). 9.The apparatus (1) of claim 8, wherein the at least one joining member(31) includes a predetermined length of cable, rope, belts or chainshaving a proximal end (31 a) adapted to be releasably attached to theconnector (20) and a distal end (31 b) adapted to be releasably attachedto weights.
 10. The apparatus (1) of claim 9, wherein the base (2) isgenerally heart-shaped and made from a functional and sustainablematerial.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the base (2) is madefrom at least one type of plastic.
 12. The apparatus (1) of claim 1,further comprising a kneeling pad (35) therewith.
 13. The apparatus (1)of claim 1, wherein the platform (7) and the kneeling pad (35) are madefrom a foam material substantially impervious to water.
 14. A method ofexercising muscle groups by means of the apparatus (1) of claim 1,comprising the steps of: (a) placing wheels (25) of an apparatus (1) ona supporting surface (37), (b) positioning a part of a users body (30)on a platform (7) of a base (2) of the apparatus (1), (c) positioning afurther part of the users body (39) on the supporting surface (37) or akneeling pad (35), and (d) moving the apparatus (1) in a chosendirection for working the muscle groups in accordance with a chosenexercise.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of:(e) releasably securing a connector (29) to a retaining member (27) ofthe base (2), (f) attaching a proximal end (31 a) of a joining member(31) to the connector (29), (g) attaching a distal end (31 b) of thejoining member (31) to a resistance means (33), and (h) moving theapparatus (1) in a multi-directional path (X, Y or Z).
 16. A kit ofparts for an exercise apparatus (1) for exercising a user's body (39),the apparatus comprising a base (2) having an upper surface (3), a lowersurface (5), the upper surface including a platform (7) with contactareas front (9) and back (11) perpendicular to a right side (13) and aleft side (15) adjacent a central area (17) of the platform (7), lowersurface rib supports (19) including dependent wheel support members (23)each one with a wheel (25), at least one wheel adapted formulti-directional movement (X, Y or Z), and a kneeling pad (35) for easeof use on a supporting surface (37).
 17. The kit of parts of claim 16,further comprising a retaining member (27) for fixedly attaching to thebase (2), a connector (29) adapted for releasable securement to theretaining member (27), a joining member (31) with a proximal end (31 a)for releasable attachment to the connector (29) of the base (2) and adistal end (31 b) for releasable attachment to a resistance means (33).18. The kit of parts of claim 17, wherein joining member (31) includes apredetermined length of cable, rope, belts or chains having a proximalend (31 a) for releasable attachment to the connector and a distal end(31 b) releasable attachment to a pulley (high or low) with weightsthereon.
 19. The kit of parts of claim 16, further comprising a portablecontainer for removeably retaining the kit of parts therein.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one wheel (25) with supportmembers (23) is adapted for multi-directional movement (X, Y or Z).